FEM, Design & AI/ML Optimisation Engineer (KTP Associate)

University of Derby's College of Science and Engineering in partnership with James Engineering Ltd are offering an exciting career-development opportunity to manage and deliver a challenging strategic Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project. Based at James Engineering Ltd's premises in Alfreton, Derbyshire, you will be employed by the University as a KTP Associate but work under the terms and conditions of the company.

In this role, you will lead the development of James Engineering Modelling Design (JEMD), an innovative software platform that integrates Eurocode-compliant design, advanced numerical modelling, and AI/ML-driven optimisation to transform the design of industrial chimneys and inlet reinforcement systems for both traditional and emerging clean-energy sectors.

Working closely with academic experts from the University of Derby, engineers at James Engineering, and specialist software developers, you will develop and apply advanced Finite Element Method (FEM) and data-driven optimisation techniques to establish a simulation-led design capability for industrial chimney systems. You will also develop and validate new design methodologies and formulae for chimney inlet reinforcement systems, addressing an area where current Eurocode guidance is limited and contributing to potential future enhancements to BS EN 1993-3-2.

Principal Accountabilities:

- Lead the development of an integrated design framework combining Eurocode-compliant design, numerical modelling and data-driven optimisation for industrial chimneys and inlet reinforcement systems.
- Develop, validate and implement high-fidelity FEM models for industrial chimneys and inlet reinforcement systems, ensuring their accuracy through comparison with analytical calculations, Eurocode provisions and real-world engineering requirements.
- Translate modelling and simulation outcomes into practical design guidance, engineering procedures and decision-support tools that enhance design efficiency, consistency and commercial competitiveness.
- Specify and oversee the development of the James Engineering Modelling Design (JEMD) software platform, ensuring engineering requirements are translated into a robust and commercially deployable solution.
- Lead the verification, validation and implementation of JEMD, benchmarking outputs against analytical methods, numerical simulations, experimental evidence and user requirements.
- Generate, manage and analyse engineering datasets using JEMD and related modelling tools to support design validation, analysis and continuous improvement.
- Apply advanced optimisation techniques, including DOE, RSM and AI/ML, to develop efficient, commercially viable and performance-driven design solutions.
- Develop innovative design methods and validated design formulae for chimney inlet reinforcement systems and contribute to future enhancements of BS EN 1993-3-2 and industry design guidance.
- Deliver training, workshops and user documentation to embed FEM, optimisation and JEMD capabilities within James Engineering.
- Prepare technical reports, academic publications, conference presentations and technical marketing materials, and present project progress to the Local Management Committee (LMC).
- Maintain a project risk register, quantified baseline KPIs and delivery plan, and manage the project workplan in collaboration with academic and business supervisors.
- Undertake KTP management training and personal development activities and comply with the KTP Associate development requirements of the programme.

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications:
- MSc (or equivalent qualification) in Structural, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience:
- Experience of structural analysis and design.
- Experience in FEM modelling.
- Practical coding experience in Python, MATLAB or an equivalent language.
- Experience managing multi-stage technical workflows.
- Experience delivering structured technical outputs (reports, calculation records, documentation).

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:
- Working knowledge of Eurocode-based structural design or similar design codes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with a rigorous and evidence-based approach to engineering analysis.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, able to engage confidently with both academic and industrial audiences.
- Ability to translate advanced modelling and analysis into practical, commercially usable tools and guidance.
- A collaborative mindset, with the confidence and initiative to work across academic and industrial teams and to lead elements of technical delivery.
- Quick learner, comfortable engaging with new software, standards and technical domains.
- Ability to rapidly acquire new knowledge and adapt to changing business requirements.
- Understanding of structural dynamics and wind engineering.

Business Requirements:
- This is a business-based role: the KTP Associate will work primarily from James Engineering's premises in Alfreton, Derbyshire.
- Willingness to travel between James Engineering, the University of Derby and occasional external meetings.
- Willingness to attend KTP residential training modules and the KTP Associates' Conference.

Desirable Criteria:

Experience:
- Demonstrable experience working in an industrial or commercial engineering environment.
- Experience in Design of Experiments (DOE), Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and AI/ML-based optimisation techniques.
- Familiarity with engineering software workflows, data structures and software integration logic.
- Experience of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) or wind/vortex-shedding analysis.
- Experience of working with, or alongside, industrial partners or SMEs on applied research or consultancy projects.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Working knowledge of one or more commercial or open-source FEM/CFD software packages (e.g. ANSYS, ABAQUS, or similar).
- Understanding of good software development practice, including version control (e.g. Git) and writing clear, well-documented, reproducible code.
- Awareness of how design codes and standards (e.g. Eurocodes) are developed, reviewed and updated.
- Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to both engineering and non-technical/commercial audiences.
- Experience or interest in contributing to peer-reviewed publications or conference papers.

Benefits:
- Competitive salary with scope for progression up to £42,000 per annum for exceptional performers.
- Personal training and development budget of £3,500.
- Access to the same training opportunities and facilities as University staff.
- Support from an Academic Supervisor, Academic Lead, and a Supervisor at James Engineering Ltd.
- KTP core development training.

Whilst you will be employed by University of Derby, your terms and conditions will be that of James Engineering Ltd.